Breaking the sugar habit may call for a method that is rarely thought about. Getting sufficient sleep is the remedy to the sugar cravings linked to sleep loss.

Key takeaways:

People will drink significantly more sugar sweetened and caffeinated drinks if they get little sleep.

Sleeping for less than five hours predisposed people to drinking 21 percent more sugar sweetened, caffeinated beverages.

By improving their sleep, people can then improve on their ability to break the habit and limit their sugar intake.

“We think there may be a positive feedback loop where sugary drinks and sleep loss reinforce one another, making it harder for people to eliminate their unhealthy sugar habit,” said lead author Aric Prather, an assistant professor of psychiatry.

Plaque-fighting toothpaste can be used to protect heart health. These are the results of a small study looking into the effects of oral health on heart health. The effect was similar to taking stating drugs, without the side effects.

It is recommended that we should brush the teeth at least twice every day. Not to be forgotten are the semi-annual dental visits for checkups and to rule out any oral health problems.

Key takeaways:

Cavities are caused by sugary foods and should be filled as soon as possible to prevent damage to nerves.

Bad breath could be a pointer to gum disease, a gut problem or post-nasal drip. A dental visit will diagnose the root cause of the problem.

Cankers and cold sores are a source of concern if they persist for 2 or 3 weeks. See your dentist to get the cold sores treated.

“Research shows that infections in the mouth can travel via the bloodstream, permeating organs and your immune system,” says Dr. Habsha. “Studies have linked poor oral hygiene, tooth decay and periodontal disease to a number of illnesses, including heart and respiratory disease.”

Keeping the pet awake during the teeth cleaning procedure has potential for risks such as severe injuries to the gums and tongue caused by dental equipment.

For the animal, the procedure is scary and may lead to high stress levels making them anxious and restless.

The American Veterinary Medical Association recently stated dental cleanings for pets should be done under anesthesia, but some veterinarians said, for certain pets who can’t handle anesthesia, cleaning without it might be the only option.

Majority of dogs suffer from periodontal disease by the time they reach their third birthday. Proper dental care combined with regular checkups will prevent onset of the disease.

Key takeaways:

Dental cleaning helps get rid of plaque and tartar that builds on your pet’s teeth.

Clean the dog’s teeth cleaning on a daily basis to avoid problems such as bad breath, tooth loss, bleeding gums, and the inability to eat. However, make sure you use toothpaste made specifically for dogs — as human toothpaste is toxic for dogs.

Bacteria in the oral cavity may find its way into blood circulation causing systemic infections and diseases. Oral health is a reflection of overall health — in humans, and in pets.

A pet having healthy teeth means a pet having better breath. Dental diseases can generate problems for a pet.

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh has advised against the removal of the third molars in patients who don’t have a problem. The removal of wisdom teeth is advised only when there are problems caused by wisdom teeth.

Key takeaways:

Wisdom teeth may be impacted, may be infected, may cause tooth decay, push other teeth, cause cysts and cause excessive pain.

Dental experts are questioning if the wisdom teeth extraction is really necessary for cases without these problems.

Studies have shown that the risks of surgery far outweigh the risk of keeping wisdom teeth.

The APHA also approved a policy that year saying the concerns of leaving wisdom teeth in don’t justify the risk of surgery – which aren’t small. Aside from associated risks of anaesthetic, the surgery can lead to possible nerve damage, loss of the sense of taste, and sometimes even death.

Activated charcoal is an abrasive component in your toothpaste, therefore brush teeth gently. The frequent use of the product may lead to tooth damage — the erosion of tooth enamel.

Key takeaways:

Activated charcoal is believed to absorb stains off the teeth since it has been used in emergency rooms to absorb toxins in cases of poisoning/overdosing.

There are no long-term studies that provide proof for the benefits of activated charcoal in whitening the teeth and removing bad breath.

Dentists recommend that people who want to try activated charcoal toothpaste start sparingly and with lots of caution.

If you do decide to use activated charcoal toothpaste, dentists agree that you should do so cautiously and sparingly. Brush with it no more than once every other week, and not for an extended period of time, even if your teeth feel normal.

A survey of men in the UK has provided some interesting findings into men’s appearances. Men between 18 – 24 were most likely to look into treatments to change their appearance.

Key takeaways:

Up to 40 percent of men were found to have strong concerns about their appearance.

About 26 percent of men admitted that they would like to straighten their teeth if they had a single chance to change appearance.

Overall, men have some reluctance in taking the step towards getting an improved or new look.

Issues regarding tooth appearance ranked highly as a personal concern. The statistics revealed that just over a quarter (26%) of men surveyed admitted that they would straighten their teeth if they could change one thing about their appearance.

Food manufacturers in the UK have been urged to comply and commit to the plan to reduce sugar levels in foods. This will go a long way toward fighting children’s obesity and dental problems.

Key takeaways:

The Childhood Obesity Plan by government is a way to improve diet through phased reduction in the amount of sugar and sweetness in foods.

Action on Sugar supports the targeted 20 percent reduction in sugar which they believe is achievable by the year 2020 if food manufacturers commit to it.

The campaign to reduce sugar consumption in children has received widespread support from dentists; they advocate for measures that include effective public education, taxation, and changes to advertising and marketing

The BDA is supporting Action on Sugar’s call for a reduction in the shocking levels of sugar in some popular foods, many of which are aimed at children.